Cycling star Lance Armstrong brought a town centre to a standstill today when hundreds of people joined him for a group bike ride.

The seven-times Tour de France winner used Twitter to invite fans to take part in the event in Paisley, Renfrewshire. As a result, about 200 people gathered near the Ashtree House hotel in the town.

Fans took photographs and asked for autographs from the American star. The watching crowd also applauded and cheered as the group set off on their ride.

"It's a chance to meet lots of people," said Armstrong. "We made up our mind to come and see a show two nights ago and I said, 'Hey, let's have a bike ride'."

He said his plans for a team in next year's Tour de France were "getting there". "We're probably halfway there," he added. When asked how many Tours he has left in him, he replied "one more" – but there was "no way" he would compete in London 2012.

In the Twitter messages beforetoday's gathering Armstrong, wrote on Monday: "Hey Glasgow, Scotland!! I'm coming your way tomorrow. Who wants to go for a bike ride??"

This was followed by: "Hey Glasgow – ride's at 12 noon. Location tbd. Stay tuned! Still dialling it in. And yes, I have my raincoat!"

Cyclists and fans started to gather before 11amtodayas they waited for Armstrong's arrival.

Graeme Obree, a bicycle builder and former world champion in the individual pursuit, was among those who turned up for the event. He said: "It's fantastic – I know my friends will be jealous. He does have such a draw."

Alexander Sneddon, who lives in Rutherglen, Glasgow, said: "It started off a little bit vague on Twitter saying, 'Hey Glasgow, Scotland, see you tomorrow'. I wasn't sure what to make of it.

"It just seems so incredible to be here and this is actually real.

"To be so close to the great man is unbelievable, he's such a hero," the 41-year-old added.

Julie Watson, a 44-year-old nurse from Fife who has been cycling for 10 years, said: "It's a bit out of this world. It's quite dream-like. It's a chance in a lifetime to ride with my hero. He's an inspiration that I've followed for years since his cancer."

After the group cycle Armstrong told fans through Twitter: "Thanks to everyone who turned up to ride in Paisley! I figured we'd have a nice ride for a dozen or so. But 100's came. Haha! Awesome!

"And hopw [sic] great was it that the Flying Scotsman Graeme Obree came out?? Legend."